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Hello,
I'm trying to fix a dying koshita on my hakama and would like to replace the in'nards with rubber, similar to that used in Iwata hakama. Does anyone have suggestions on the source of an acceptable bit of rubber. Thanks much.

I've tried several different materials as mine have worn out over the years. By far the best thing I've found is a thin mouse pad cut to size. It's stiff enough for shape while remaining flexible and durable.

Thats cool because now you can wear your hakama to work. Where it could double for a back up mouse pad. Lord knows there is nothn worse than having mouse pad shortage. Heck you could double as work station your koshi for the mouse and your back for writing on or as tower storage.

As an aside. My girlfriend just made me a hakama from the pattern at Round Earth Publishing. She modified it so the koshi-ita insert is removable through a slit on the inside which is closed with velcro. Now it can be taken out for washing and easily replaced if need be. She also replaced the plastic "spoon" with two tabs of fabric that velcro around the belt. It's pretty cool. If you sew, or have a sewing type person who'd be willing to help I'd recommend making one at home.

Bronson

"A pacifist is not really a pacifist if he is unable to make a choice between violence and non-violence. A true pacifist is able to kill or maim in the blink of an eye, but at the moment of impending destruction of the enemy he chooses non-violence."

Thanks for the suggestion of the mouse pad. Often times the obvious is invisible. Thanks also for the spelling correction.

I did pick up a square of rubber at the hardware store referred to as "plumber's gasket", which was about 6"x6", so a little too narrow, however, I might be able to make it work. It's has a hefty, yet flexible feel, so we'll see. Thanks again.